Ukrainian experts fine-tune MIM-104 Patriot software to enable the system to track and destroy Russian hypersonic missiles

The day before, we wrote that Raytheon would increase production of MIM-104 Patriot and PAC-3 interceptors, while Ukraine received five more batteries of anti-aircraft missile systems. The Wall Street Journal article stated this. However, there is another interesting statement in the piece.

Here's What We Know

Raytheon was pleased with the way the Ukrainian Air Force is using US air defence systems. Moreover, the head of the company, Gregory J. Hayes, announced that Ukrainian specialists were able to modify the MIM-104 Patriot software so that the complex could track and destroy Russian hypersonic missiles.

The Raytheon CEO noted that the MIM-104 Patriot in Ukraine intercepts missiles moving twice as fast as intended. Exactly what changes have been made to the software, no one specified.

Last month, seven of the seven hypersonic X-47M2 missiles were shot down over Kyiv. This may be due to the fact that this missile is hypersonic only on paper. In fact, it is an ordinary Iskander ballistic missile launched from a MiG-31K fighter. After re-entry into the atmosphere, its speed drops to the level of ballistic missiles.

The article also noted that Ukraine had received Patriot Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) missile interceptors. Previously there was information only about the PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI).

Source: The Wall Street Journal